Kris Howard talking about productivity.
About getting stuff done like a grownup. Used to put stuff off to the weekend, and then not actually do it.
The goal of productivity is to spend less time doing the stuff you don’t want to do so that you can spend more time on the stuff you do want to do.
She’s a productivity faker, not a guru, or a ninja.
Step 1: Get absolved. Inbox zero.
- Make a folder called dmz.
- Go to inbox, select all.
- Put everything into it.
- Go and sin no more.
Idea: draw a line in the sand, and move forward. Declare inbox zero and order a nerd badge. Everything that is in there should be something you need.
Step 2: Get Organised.
- Keep it simple, the hipster PDA is a stack of notecards in a clip, or planner diary.
- Lots of productivity apps in the app store.
- Pick one, try it. If it doesn’t work try something else.
- If using apps, Toodleoo. Take advantage of syncing, sharing.
- Calendar: recurring events are your friend.
Step 3: Get Things Done.
- Stuff is anything in your life that is not where it is meant to be. Stuff that doesn’t have a place is in your head. Getting Things Done is the workflow for processing stuff.
- Collect all stuff. This is the thing you are afraid of. This is the thing that stresses you out. Collect it, seems manageable.
- Process. If under 2 minutes, do it immediately. If waiting, goes to tickler file. He suggests a physical file, the alternative is calendar.
Project pile to track the next actions.
When done, chuck it in the bin.
When put a task on the list, tag it with a context.
Iteration and review: review the tickler file, todo list.
Stay Focused.
- Pomodoro Technique:
- Decide on task.
- Set timer for 25 minutes.
- Work until dings, record.
- Take a short break.
- Every 4 pomodoros, take a longer break.
Build habits.
Don’t break the chain.
Mark off days when you work on that goal.
Use your chain of marked off days as a motivator.
Check out: dontbreakthechain.com
So go home, blast the crap out of your inbox, make a pile of stuff on the kitchen table, and start getting things done like a boss!